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Review by Geohominid August 19, 2007 (13 of 13 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S/MC): / |
This Alia Vox offering seems to have a format identity problem, on my pressing anyhow. Its packaging and listing in the illustrated catalogue within the catalogue indicate it to be stereo only, but the disc label proclaims multichannel, and multichannel it is indeed. The disc label also carries the DSD logo, and the recording dates from 2005.
Poor Boccherini was tagged in the C19th with the unfortunate label of "Haydn's wife", one of those types of insults which ignorant critics use to destroy a musician's reputation. At last we are beginning to realise his particular genius. Boccherini, in contrast to Haydn, travelled widely in Europe during the last half of the C18th, holding positions in Rome, Madrid and Prussia. But Spain was his adopted country, and his ability to incorporate the local idioms is showcased in this splendid concert by Le Concert des Nations with their indefatigable leader, Jordi Savali. They play on period or reconstructed period instruments with an effortless ease and are steeped in the music of the Baroque and early classical periods. The disc includes some of Bocherini's chamber music as well as works for full orchestra, representing pieces composed during the decade of 1780-1790, a period of revolution, decline of the aristocracy and their patronage and the rise of the middle classes, as well as wars and strife.
The Quintet no.4 for strings and guitar of 1798 is now quite a favourite, especially for its last movement, a Fandango. It begins with a charming Pastorale with really hushed playing; you can picture zephyrs of breeze gently stirring the perfumed flowers on a hot Spanish afternoon, and perhaps a pair of lovers... The succeeding Allegro maestoso is much louder and assertive, forming a great contrast. A slow, improvisational introduction frames the famous Fandango, which is virtually a mini-concerto for guitar, requiring considerable virtuosity and Spanish 'attitude' from the excellent soloist. The movement is full of memorable tunes and foot-tapping rhythms, resplendent with wit and humour - the cellist zooms up to stratospheric levels to sigh like a love-sick swain - then the irresistible dance continues even more wildly with castanets a-clicking. This committed performance is far and away the best on disc.
Two of Boccherini's symphonies follow, one in the minor, the other major. They reveal his flair for contrast and often startling orchestral effects and are also full of good tunes - in my opinion they are far more enjoyable than many of the symphonies by the Mannheim school which are being recorded in droves at the moment. Again, you can hear Spanish, French, German and even Scottish influences appearing in the flow of invention.
The last piece is the curious and acutely observed character-piece, the Quintet op. 30, entitled 'Night Music in the Streets of Madrid'. The seven movements recall a series of locations or incidents of Madrid's night-life, from the church bells through the marching of soldiers to a group of street dances performed by the inebriated population. The cameos are cunningly transferred to the string group, which includes two 'cellos, and are frequently hilarious and again unfailingly tuneful.
All the playing is alert, stylish and affectionate as is usual with this group and Savali. As an introduction it is a superb demonstration of Boccherini's qualities, and as pure entertainment it would charm any music lover. The church recording with minimal microphones is exemplary, close but still bearing the imprint of the accommodating acoustic, and there is no difference in sound between the chamber groups and full orchestra.
As usual, the Alia Vox packaging is quite luxurious; a triple gate-fold pack, with a thick booklet which can be easily detached. Short essays on the historical context of the music, Boccherini's style and a commentary on the included works are presented in French, Castillian, Catalan and English, illustrated with coloured session photos and contemporary art works. What more could one want?
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